Frederic Bowman was a designer and builder who left a substantial mark on Irvington.  He built both apartments and homes all with a distinctive Bowman "look" that is derived from Craftsman and Prairie Style designs.  This home was one of his most ambitious speculative projects, and upon completion in 1914 it was sold to Harvey P. Barnhart for the substantial sum of $20,000.  Barnhart had recently moved from the East Coast and was associated with land speculations.

In 1917 the house was sold to Charles Frederick Wright, the vice president of the firm Ballou & Wright, a successful supplier of bicycles.  Originally based in Montana, the firm moved to Portland in the late 1890's.  They ultimately had outlets in Seattle and Spokane selling not only bicycles but also motor cycles and auto parts.  Upon Wright's death at the age of 81, he made substantial donations to Lewis & Clark Collage, the YMCA, and the Shriners' Hospital.

The home exhibits the fine craftsmanship, materials, and attention to detail that characterized Bowman's buildings.  It has mahogany paneling in the dining room and a billiard room in the basement with decorative Arts & Crafts style tiles.  

For an example of the apartments Bowman built in Irvington, see the listing for the Bowman Apartments.